62 DISEASES OF CATTLE. 



POISONING BY ALKALIES. 



The carbonates of potash and soda and the alkalies themselves in 

 concentrated form cause symptoms of intestinal irritation similar to 

 those produced by mineral acids. Ammonia, caustic soda, and caus- 

 tic potash (l.ye) are those to which animals are most exposed. The 

 degree of their caustic irritant effects depends on their degree of 

 concentration. When they reach the stomach the symptoms are nearly 

 as well marked as in the case of the acids. The irritation is even 

 more noticeable, and purgation is likely to be a more prominent 

 symptom. If death is not caused soon, the irritation of the gastro- 

 intestinal tract and malnutrition will last for a long time. Treatment 

 consists in neutralizing the alkali by an acid, such as dilute sulphuric 

 acid (1 per cent) or strong vinegar. The administration of such an 

 antidote and its action must be carefully watched during adminis- 

 tration. In the chemical change which takes place when the acid 

 and alkali are combined, carbonic-acid gas is liberated, which may 

 be to an extent sufficient to cause considerable diste^ion of the abdo- 

 men, even to asphyxia from pressure forward on the diaphragm. 

 Should this danger present itself, it may be averted by opening the 

 left flank, permitting the gas to escape. (See "Acute tympanites, 

 or Bloating," p. 24.) 



Treatment. — Flaxseed or slippery-elm decoction must be given to 

 soothe the inflamed mucous surface. Opium may be used to allay 

 pain. 



COAL-OIL POISONING. 



Coal oil is sometimes administered empirically as a treatment for 

 intestinal parasites. If given in large doses it produces poisonous 

 effects, which are likely to be manifest some time after the adminis- 

 tration. It acts as an irritant to the digestive tract, causing drib- 

 bling of ropy saliva from the mouth, diarrhea, tenesmus, and loss 

 of appetite, with increased temperature and cold extremities. Visible 

 mucous membranes are injected, pupils of the eyes contracted, watery 

 discharge from the eyes and nostrils. Remotely it exerts a depress- 

 ing influence on the functions of the brain and slight coma, and occa- 

 sionally convulsions, from which the animal is easily aroused. The 

 kidneys also suffer. The urine is dark colored and has the charac- 

 teristic odor of coal oil. Death may result from gastro-enteritis or 

 convulsions. 



Treatment. — The patient's strength should be fostered by the fre- 

 quent administration of mild stimulants, of which aromatic spirits 

 of ammonia is perhaps the best. The animal should be encouraged 

 to eat soft food and given mucilaginous drinks. 



